After a work injury, your recovery depends on getting the right medical care—but can you choose your own doctor in a workers’ compensation case? In South Carolina, the answer is more complicated than most people realize.
Your Employer (or Their Insurance Company) Has the Say
South Carolina law gives your employer or their workers’ compensation insurance carrier the right to select the medical provider. That means you can’t just go to your regular doctor and expect workers’ comp to foot the bill. If you do, you may end up responsible for the cost of treatment—even if the injury clearly happened on the job.
What If You Already Saw a Doctor?
If you went to the ER or an urgent care clinic immediately after your injury, that’s typically covered—even if it wasn’t a provider chosen by your employer. Emergency treatment is an exception. But once your condition is stable, all follow-up care must go through the authorized provider selected by the employer or insurer.
Not Happy With the Care You’re Getting?
You’re not stuck with a provider who isn’t listening or who downplays your symptoms. If you’re unhappy with your care, you can:
Request a second opinion
Ask the insurance company to approve a different doctor
File a motion with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission if your request is denied
It’s not uncommon for injured workers to feel pressured or dismissed by employer-chosen doctors. You have the right to be treated with respect—and to push for better care if you’re not receiving it.
The Role of a Qualified Rehabilitation Consultant (QRC)
In some cases, particularly those involving long-term injuries or return-to-work issues, a QRC may get involved. A QRC helps coordinate your treatment, evaluate your work restrictions, and develop a rehabilitation plan. While a QRC is supposed to be neutral, their recommendations can influence your case—especially when it comes to ongoing medical care or whether you’re ready to return to work.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help make sure the QRC is working in your best interest—not just protecting the insurance company’s bottom line.
Why Legal Help Matters
Medical treatment decisions aren’t just about your health—they affect how long you’re off work, whether you qualify for disability benefits, and what kind of settlement you may be offered. That’s why getting legal guidance early in the process is so important. A skilled workers’ comp lawyer can:
Push back if your medical care is inadequate
Help you get a second opinion or a specialist referral
Make sure your QRC is impartial and supportive of your recovery
If you’ve been hurt on the job and aren’t sure where to turn, Martin & Martin P.A. is here to help. Whether you’re struggling to get the medical care you need, dealing with a denied claim, or just trying to understand your rights, our team will walk you through every step. Call our Greenville office today to schedule a free consultation. You don’t have to face this alone.